Ocean’s Finest: Irresistible Crab and Shrimp Casserole Recipe

Seafood casseroles bring comfort and decadence to your dining table with their rich, creamy textures.

Imagine a dish that combines succulent ocean treasures in one delightful meal.

The magic of this crab and shrimp casserole lies in its harmonious blend of delicate marine flavors.

Smooth, velvety sauces envelop tender seafood pieces, creating a luxurious experience that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

Layers of carefully selected ingredients promise a symphony of taste and sensations.

Creamy, golden-topped casseroles invite you to savor each spoonful with anticipation.

Explore this culinary adventure that celebrates marine ingredients in their most irresistible form.

Crab and Shrimp Casserole: Coastal Comfort on a Plate

• A delightful blend of succulent crab and shrimp creates a harmonious flavor explosion that'll make your taste buds dance with joy.
• The rich, velvety sauce made with butter, milk, and cheese transforms this casserole into a luxurious, heartwarming dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe comes together in less than an hour, making it a stress-free meal for busy families or last-minute dinner plans.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this casserole appeals to seafood lovers and brings everyone together with its irresistible, golden-brown topping and comforting flavors.

Ingredients Checklist for Crab and Shrimp Casserole

• Shrimp: Sweet ocean protein that adds delicate texture to the casserole.
• Crabmeat: Rich, tender seafood with a delicate flavor, best when fresh or high-quality canned.

• Celery: Crunchy vegetable that provides subtle background flavor and texture.
• Onion: Classic aromatic that enhances overall dish depth and complexity.
• Garlic: Intense flavor booster that complements seafood perfectly.

• Butter: Rich base for creating smooth, flavorful roux.
• Flour: Thickening agent for creating creamy sauce consistency.
• Milk: Smooth liquid that helps create silky sauce texture.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and subtle tanginess to the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that creates rich flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing overall taste.
• Breadcrumbs: Crispy topping that provides golden, crunchy texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green garnish that adds fresh visual appeal and light herbal note.

How to Make This Creamy Seafood Casserole

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), getting ready for a delicious seafood adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Seafood Mixture

• Fresh shrimp
• Tender crabmeat
• Crisp celery
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Gently mix these ingredients until they’re beautifully blended.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Melt butter until it's silky smooth
• Sprinkle in flour and cook until golden and bubbling
• Slowly pour milk, whisking constantly for 3-5 minutes
• Remove from heat
• Stir in
• Creamy mayonnaise
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Combine Seafood And Sauce

Pour the dreamy sauce over your seafood mixture, stirring until every morsel is perfectly coated.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the seafood mixture evenly.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of breadcrumbs across the top for a delightful crispy finish.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, watching for a bubbly, golden-brown surface.

Step 8: Garnish And Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve alongside a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips for Rich, Savory Shellfish Flavor

• Select Fresh Seafood: Choose high-quality, fresh crab and shrimp for the most vibrant flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Master the Roux Technique: Carefully cook flour and butter together until golden to create a smooth, lump-free sauce base that adds rich depth.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Sauté garlic and onions briefly before mixing to release their aromatic oils and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Control Breadcrumb Browning: Watch the casserole carefully during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent breadcrumbs from burning while achieving a perfect golden crust.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier, ensuring a more cohesive dish.

Store and Reheat Seafood Casserole Without Drying

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Preserve: Refrigerated casserole stays good for 3-4 days. Keep the container sealed to lock in moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture if needed.

What Goes Well with Crab and Shrimp Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the rich, creamy seafood casserole. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the dish's richness and enhances the delicate seafood flavors.
• Serve with Lemon Herb Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with fresh herbs, lemon vinaigrette, and cucumber slices. This refreshing side balances the casserole's creamy texture and adds a zesty, fresh contrast.
• Match with Buttery Chardonnay: Choose an oaked chardonnay that mirrors the casserole's creamy sauce and buttery undertones. Its smooth, round flavor profile enhances the seafood's delicate taste and complements the cheesy elements.
• Accompany with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the casserole's delicious sauce. The bread's crunchy texture and garlic notes provide a delightful counterpoint to the soft, creamy seafood dish.

Seafood Casserole Variations to Explore

• Spicy Seafood Sensation: Add diced jalapeños and red pepper flakes to the seafood mixture for a kick. Replace half the cheddar with pepper jack cheese to enhance the heat.
• Mediterranean Maritime Mix: Incorporate diced sun-dried tomatoes, chopped kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Swap breadcrumbs with herbed panko for a Mediterranean flair.
• Cajun Coastal Creation: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the seafood before mixing. Use andouille sausage bits for extra flavor and replace some milk with white wine for depth.
• Low-Carb Ocean Bake: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Use cream cheese instead of milk for a richer, lower-carb version that maintains the creamy texture.

FAQs for a Better Crab & Shrimp Casserole

• Can I use frozen seafood for this casserole?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the seafood before mixing to prevent excess water in the dish.

• How long can I store leftovers?

Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture.

• Can I substitute the types of seafood?

Absolutely! You can swap crab or shrimp for other seafood like scallops or white fish to suit your preferences or what’s available.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour and breadcrumbs. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Crab And Shrimp Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Louisiana Crab and Shrimp Casserole melds coastal flavors with rich, comforting textures from bayou kitchens. Seafood enthusiasts savor layers of succulent shellfish nestled in a velvety sauce that whispers southern charm, inviting you to indulge in pure culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood

• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 lb (454 g) crabmeat (fresh or canned)

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 cup (150 g) celery (diced)
• ½ cup (75 g) onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce and Toppings

• 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter (for the sauce)
• 2 tablespoons (15 g) all-purpose flour (for the roux)
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
• ½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 1 pinch salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon (4 g) fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven, creating an ideal baking environment at 350°F (175°C), which will ensure perfect cooking temperature.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, gently combine the delicate seafood components – succulent shrimp, tender crabmeat, crisp celery, aromatic onion, and minced garlic – blending them into a harmonious mixture.
3. Craft a velvety sauce base by melting butter in a saucepan, introducing flour and cooking until it develops a golden, frothy texture. Slowly incorporate milk, whisking methodically to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
4. Remove the sauce from heat and fold in mayonnaise, sharp cheddar cheese, and seasoning, creating a rich, flavorful binding agent for the seafood.
5. Carefully fold the seafood mixture into the creamy sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously coated with the luxurious mixture.
6. Transfer the seafood medley to a thoroughly greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
7. Sprinkle a delicate layer of breadcrumbs across the surface, providing a crisp, golden topping that will add textural contrast.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake until the top transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown crust, approximately 30 minutes.
9. Allow the casserole to rest briefly after removing from the oven, which helps the ingredients settle and intensifies the flavors.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbal freshness. Serve immediately alongside a crisp salad or steamed vegetables.

Notes

• Prep this seafood delight ahead of time by mixing ingredients in advance and refrigerating until ready to bake.
• Ensure fresh, high-quality crab and shrimp for the most delectable flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Use whole milk for a richer, creamier sauce that perfectly binds the seafood and breadcrumb topping.
• Choose sharp cheddar cheese to add depth and tanginess to the overall dish’s flavor profile.
• Customize the breadcrumb topping with panko for extra crispiness or add herbs like thyme for more complexity.
• Allow the casserole to rest briefly after baking to help it set and make serving easier without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg